N_Jay

Something is breaking down the coating.
Cleaning it off is only 1/2 the fix since the coating is put on to protect the labeling and underlying colored finish.


New switches are the fix.


Someone at MB (or their OEM) screwed up.

pablo123

I have exactly the same problem light switch is soft and gooey. Not sure when it happened but may be recently. I cleaned the dash including the light switch with armour all protect it seemed to happen after that.

Anyone else experience problems with armour all protect?

I am thinking of buying a new switch plate as if I wipe the goo off I am sure I will have wiped away a layer that was meant to protect something.

SMS

if it is just only one or two buttons, replace it. unless you are anticipating more to surface. Maybe you can check the new surface creation to protect the plastic from melting off or even it starts to melts. it is posted on the youtude, you may want to check it out yourself.

beerj

I think when that coating "melts" it is a reaction to some "care product" it came in contact with .
Lot of people have that problem - lot of people do not !
It happened on my car also and after searching the net I cleaned it with Goo Gone and had no problem since . That was about one or two years ago .
Best of all - what was black back then is still black today . The icons are also still there .

Mercdz ML

The plastic around the steering wheel buttons and also the light switch on the dash have all suffered with this problem, "melting plastic".


I tried rubbing a small area with Turpentine and it seems to have done the trick, but I haven't followed up on it as I worry that Turps may be too harsh.


I will try the suggested "Goo Gone" product and see how I go.


I always thought that the plastic may have reacted to the leather surface protectant, so have stopped using it near the affected plastic.


Thanks guys for your feedback, it's nice to know that I'm not alone in the playpen.


Peter.

beerj

Peter when you consider that over six thousand people clicked on this topic, you know that you are not the only one with this problem

Mercdz ML

Thanks beerJ.


With over 6,000 hits on this forum alone I wonder whether MB are aware and may be addressing this problem?


Has MB addressed this issue with a recall or extended warranty in your country?


I have used a product called 'Goof-Off' in Oz which is the same as 'Goo-Gone' in your country.


It works well, removes the 'goo', but a word of warning: Don't rub too hard for too long as you will rub through the surface and into the plastic under-surface. It has an acetone base so needs to be used carefully and sparingly.


Good luck.


Peter.

Mercdz ML

Thanks to all for your replies.


Current state of play: I have tried cleaning the plastic and whilst it took off the surface stickiness there is still a lesser stick residue remaining. I would not be surprised if MB hadn't at some time recalled this model but I have never heard.
I have approached MB (via my dealer) and requested a replacement of all 3 switches and housings at their expense.
My dealer is waiting for a reply.


Thanks again,


Pete.

beerj

Though I think what Mercedes response will be - I am looking forward to be proven wrong

ajr62

happens as a natural deterioration of the material used for and/or on the buttons. goo gone works really well to dislodge the goo. i followed up with 91% isopropyl alcohol and the goo gone and the goo came off easily. typical 70% alcohol sold in drug stores won't work, needs to be 90+%, also can be purchased at the drug store. now good as new!

beerj

[QUOTE=Mercdz ML;6412781]Thanks to all for your replies.


Current state of play: I have tried cleaning the plastic and whilst it took off the surface stickiness there is still a lesser stick residue remaining. I would not be surprised if MB hadn't at some time recalled this model but I have never heard.
I have approached MB (via my dealer) and requested a replacement of all 3 switches and housings at their expense.
My dealer is waiting for a reply.


Thanks again,





Pete , what came of the dealer contacting Mercedes ?
Their response would be interesting

Ignacio Barreto

do you have the part number??

Regards